Thursday, 28 July 2011

Non-networked biometric system to be introduced by EC

How can it prevent phantom voting? Now I understand what is meant byAziz's statement that there is absolutely no double voting. He refersto voting at a single polling station.

Indelible ink is much cheaper and more effective.Saying that there are chemicals to remove it is just that, a stupidaccusation. Just prove it first before you make any stupid accusation.You have to remove your skin in order to remove the ink.

"Over the years, SPR has been receiving allegations and accusations onthe existence of phantom voters and it has never stopped.

"In fact there is no end to this. This system will demolish itsexistence," he told a press conference after chairing a briefing onthe biometric system, postmortem on the recently-concluded stateelection and SPR's monthly meeting yesterday.

He added that the system was not a new invention as it was presentlyused by the Home Ministry, National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK)Immigrations and Police.

Abdul Aziz also pointed out to claims that some voters voted more thanonce and allegations of the existence of dead voters' names in theelectoral roll.

Saying that SPR had tried to use indelible ink, Abdul Aziz said themove had to be shelved as the system unfortunately could notaccurately determine the identity of voters.

"For SPR, we just want to see the documents, whether the bearer of theidentification card (IC) is genuine, carried by the owner and notforged. Voters also cannot carry other voters' IC and register forthat matter. By this way voters cannot cheat the system," he said.

Abdul Aziz said the system would be a standalone, whereby it would notbe connected to online networking to prevent it from being sabotaged.

"The system will have no networking and stand alone. It would be veryexpensive to make it online as well."

He said the introduction of the system was part of an effort mooted byPrime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to seek the best possibleway for a fair and just election process in the country.

He added that the system was on its final phase and more trial testsand demos would be conducted to ensure its smoothness.

However, Abdul Aziz said it needed to be further enhanced before itcould be used for the coming general elections, indicating a mockelection would be conducted soon to test its efficiency.

To a question, he said SPR welcomed queries from individuals, groupsor political parties who want to know more about the system, adding ithad a fruitful meeting with Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) leadersrecently.

"They (PAS) are fully supporting the idea and soon more politicalparties will come and discuss with us," he said.

The cost of the system has yet to be determined.

State SPR chairman Takun Sunggah was among those present during thepress conference.